Jennifer, Justin say decision to split was lovingly made

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux announced that they have separated. Picture: Vince Bucci/Invision/AP

Los Angeles - Jennifer Aniston and husband Justin Theroux announced their separation on Thursday after less than three years of marriage, immediately sparking speculation that the former "Friends" star might reunite with her first spouse, Brad Pitt.

"We have decided to announce our separation," Aniston and Theroux said in a joint statement. "This decision was mutual and
lovingly made at the end of last year."

Aniston, 49, and "The Leftovers" actor Theroux, 46, married in August 2015.

The statement gave no reason for the split.

"We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship. Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly," the statement said.

Aniston, whose marriage to Pitt ended in divorce, is one of America's most popular celebrities.

The news swiftly became the top trending topic on Twitter,
where fans chimed in with memes and comments about a possible Pitt-Aniston reunion.

Pitt left Aniston for actress Angelina Jolie in 2005, but he and Jolie split up in 2016. Their divorce is being dealt with in private court and Pitt is currently single.

"Guys! #JenniferAniston and #BradPitt are tooooootally getting back together! Then the #JenniferAniston love curse will
FINALLY be over and she can be the stepmom of #AngelinaJolie's kids!!!," Twitter user Lauren Mastro posted on Thursday.

Dear Tabloids,Please do not subject us to stories that Jennifer Aniston is getting back together with Brad Pitt.

Aniston and Theroux married in a secret ceremony at their Los Angeles home in 2015 that took many of the couple's guests,
as well as the media, by surprise. They began dating in 2011.

Aniston has forged a lucrative film career in romantic
comedies such as "Horrible Bosses," "Marley & Me" and "Just Go with It" since the 2004 end of the hit TV comedy "Friends,"
which made her a global star.

Theroux, who is also a writer and producer, is best known for his role on the HBO series "The Leftovers," which ended last year. His other movies include "The Girl on the Train" and
"Zoolander 2."